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Authentic Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock

A close-up of a white bowl filled with smoky black eyed peas topped with shredded ham.
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Make traditional, flavorful Southern black eyed peas using a ham hock for a smoky, hearty taste. This recipe works well on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (added at the end)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas, ham hock, chicken broth, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. (If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.)
  4. Remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste the peas and add salt and black pepper as needed. The ham hock adds salt, so season carefully.
  7. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve hot as a hearty side dish or main course.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, mash about 1/2 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in before serving.
  • If you do not have a ham hock, you can substitute with 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp before adding the vegetables.
  • Soaking the peas overnight can reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://flavorzine.com/southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/